NOVA 2012-2013 College Catalog

Distance Learning
ELI offers most distance learning courses, but some distance learning courses are also available through individual NOVA campuses. Distance learning courses are designed to offer “anytime access” to higher education from the convenience of your home or office. Online courses are primarily Web-based and require access to the Internet. Courses are designed to do the following:

Create a community of learners.

Support communication between student and faculty.

Guide students to valuable and appropriate resources.

NOVA distance learning courses can be accessed anywhere and anytime via the Internet and a Web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Some things to consider when choosing a distance learning course are the following:
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To be successful, students need strong reading and time-management skills, must be self-disciplined and motivated.
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Additional technology may be required, including watching video programs, using computer programs on CD-ROM, listening to audio programs, and/or using voice mail.
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Some online courses require in-person meetings or labs.
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Testing requirements and locations vary. Examinations in ELI distance learning courses can be taken at any NOVA campus Testing Center during open testing center hours. Individuals living outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area may arrange to have exams proctored.
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Some distance learning courses allow students the flexibility to work ahead on their own and complete a course early.

Be sure to check individual course descriptions for specific
requirements or contact the individual instructor with questions.

Textbooks
Textbooks for Extended Learning Institute (ELI) distance courses might not be the same as those used on campus. They may be purchased or rented through the Alexandria campus bookstore or ordered online (http://nvcc-alexandria.bkstore.com), by fax, or mail. Typically, books ordered from the bookstore by mail are shipped the same day.

Assignment Due Dates
Even though ELI distance courses are self-paced, you are required to submit some assignments by specific due dates. If you do not submit these assignments on time, you can be dropped from the course with a grade of W.

Services Available to ELI Students
All College and campus services are available to ELI students. Some restrictions may exist in the case of financial aid and veterans benefits. Some services, such as counseling, testing centers, tutoring, learning laboratories, and the Alexandria Campus bookstore, are closed during breaks at the end of each term. Faculty members may also be on vacation at these times, so there may be some delay in returning written work that has been submitted to ELI.

ELI Examinations
Each course has several exams that you must take in person at a campus testing center. These are proctored exams. To pass an ELI course, you must pass the proctored exams, regardless of how well you do on other course assignments. Exams may be taken any time the campus testing centers are open, including some evenings and weekend times. For current hours, please call the testing center most convenient for you. If you cannot travel to a campus testing center, other arrangements for proctoring the exam can be made. For more information contact ELI.

Degree Programs

ELI offers students a way to take all—or most—of their courses toward an associate degree through distance-learning technologies. Many degrees and certificates may be earned through ELI. For a current list of available programs, see the ELI website at: http://eli.nvcc.edu/degrees.htm.

These degrees and certificates are administered by NOVA campus academic divisions. Distance Learning students have the option of taking required courses through ELI and can also apply ELI courses to other degrees. Prospective degree candidates should contact an ELI counselor, a campus counselor, or an academic advisor to plan their program of study.